Application of New Pedestrian Level of Service Measures - sacog
Application of New Pedestrian Level of Service Measures - sacog
Application of New Pedestrian Level of Service Measures - sacog
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<strong>Application</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Pedestrian</strong> <strong>Level</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Service</strong> <strong>Measures</strong><br />
SACOG<br />
turn signal phasing on the majority <strong>of</strong> signals<br />
within the segment.<br />
Crossing Widths 60 ft or Less<br />
The pedestrian crossing widths are measured<br />
for side street crossings along the corridor,<br />
but not for movements across the corridor<br />
being evaluated. Generally, the throughcrossing<br />
distance and other measures,<br />
including number <strong>of</strong> travel lanes and presence<br />
<strong>of</strong> medians, provide sufficient information<br />
about the size <strong>of</strong> the intersection and its<br />
effect on pedestrian movement. The<br />
pedestrian crossing width is measured in the<br />
center <strong>of</strong> a crosswalk at a signalized<br />
intersection only. When pedestrian refuge<br />
islands or medians are present within the<br />
crosswalk the measurements shall reflect that<br />
these facilities decrease pedestrian crossing<br />
distances. When such a refuge is present the<br />
measurement is taken from the departure<br />
curb to the refuge, and then from the refuge<br />
to the arrival curb. Each <strong>of</strong> these<br />
measurements is individually evaluated using<br />
the criterion <strong>of</strong> 60 ft or less. When the<br />
crossing distance is different on each side <strong>of</strong><br />
the street the greater <strong>of</strong> the two<br />
measurements is used to determine<br />
compliance with this criterion. When<br />
signalized intersections occur at intervals<br />
greater than 1mi along the segment, the<br />
segment is awarded points for this pedestrian<br />
crossing‐width criterion. In this situation there<br />
are few side streets to cross, and they do not<br />
create significant exposure to traffic. When<br />
signalized intersections occur at distances <strong>of</strong> 1<br />
mi or less along the segment, including any<br />
signalized intersections at the corridor<br />
segment terminuses, the majority <strong>of</strong> these<br />
intersections must have pedestrian crossing<br />
widths <strong>of</strong> 60 ft or less. Crossing widths greater<br />
than 60 ft should be improved to provide<br />
pedestrian refuge islands or medians with<br />
supplemental pedestrian push buttons.<br />
Posted Speed 35 mph or Less<br />
High‐speed traffic greatly decreases the<br />
comfort <strong>of</strong> pedestrians and can be a major<br />
deterrent to pedestrian trips. Posted speed<br />
limits <strong>of</strong> 35 mph create operating speeds at<br />
the maximum tolerable level <strong>of</strong> pedestrian<br />
comfort. When a posted speed <strong>of</strong> greater<br />
than 35 mph occurs anywhere in the study<br />
segment the segment will not score points for<br />
this criterion. School zone speeds are not<br />
considered in this evaluation. When average<br />
actual speeds are available they can be used<br />
for a more accurate analysis.<br />
Medians Present<br />
Points will be received for this criterion when<br />
medians are a dominant characteristic within<br />
the corridor or when they are present at<br />
locations with frequent motor‐vehicle turning<br />
movements or frequent pedestrian midblock<br />
crossing movements. Medians in a midblock<br />
location reduce the number <strong>of</strong> motorist left<br />
turn conflicts for pedestrians. <strong>Pedestrian</strong><br />
midblock crossings must provide appropriate<br />
protection (i.e., some combination <strong>of</strong><br />
pedestrian crossing warning signs, flashers,<br />
crosswalks, auxiliary pedestrian signals, and<br />
push buttons). The medians must be<br />
restrictive raised medians with or without<br />
turn bays. The medians to be considered in<br />
this criterion are midblock medians, not<br />
pedestrian refuge islands at intersections,<br />
which are evaluated in the crossing width<br />
criterion.<br />
Amenities in Right‐<strong>of</strong>‐Way<br />
Does the segment provide features that<br />
increase comfort and convenience for<br />
pedestrians using the facility? These features<br />
Issue Date: June 2011<br />
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